This music video by Da Yoopers starts out with maddening slowness- as in first-year-film-student slow- but things pick up at about 1:00, so hang in there. It's worth it! Thanks to Texan_idiot25 for the tip.

The New York Times Magazine has put together a lengthy analysis of the effects of the Carpocalypse's effects on the current generation of African-American autoworkers, focusing on Pontiac Assembly Center worker Marvin Powell, a 13-year veteran of the Silverado/Sierra assembly line. Definitely worth reading, but only if you can deal with yet another painful Death Of The American Dream story.
[New York Times Magazine]

We'll let Red Bull Air Race commenter, Nick Fellows and former Air Race pilot, Steve Jones explain the course and the obstacles the daring Red Bull pilots will face this year.

Image credit: Flickr [via Red Bull]

Those ugly shoes and increased Rosetta Stone sales are only one indication of the way Detroit-area businesses are preparing to fleece welcome the estimated 100-200 Fiat executives and their families expected to draw the short straw and be forced to move to the land of bad Italian food. (FWIW, you weren't feeling well before I took you to Mario's. —Ed.) Since they'll be the only people with any money to move to Detroit in the last decade, businesses are looking to them as a lifeline in a difficult economy. A definite upside to the Fiat/Chrysler alliance.

Pointing out her business acumen and eternal optimism, Karen Daskas, the owner of fancy Birmingham shoe shop Tender says, "We are the only boutique that sells these shoes in the U.S., together with the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, I'd love to have Italians as my clients." [via Bloomberg]

Well off center stage where the Roush 427R was unveiled there sat a bright red 2010 Mustang with a snazzy new nose. Since it wasn't even hinted at in the main presentation we sought out some Roush folks to key us into this other car. According to Roush designers, it's a car made up of bits which were considered for the 427R but axed as a matter of cost constraints. Just because the parts on this car didn't quite make it doesn't mean they won't be available, they're testing the market to gauge interest on the black billet grille and scooped and louvered hood.

The replacement of those two parts act to clean up the nose of the Mustang and give the whole car less heavy appearance. The scoop eliminates the power dome and pulls the shape of the nose forward, serving to more evenly distribute the visual heft of the car. Seeing as how they look so at home on the 2010 Mustang we wouldn't be surprised to see these parts available as options on the 427R or standalone aftermarket parts.

The new law would make texting or playing video games while driving a secondary offense, which means that a driver could receive a ticket if pulled over for something else, but not be rolled for simply texting. The fine would be set at a non-negotiable $100. Senator Buzz Thomas had attempted passing an identical piece of legislation earlier that didn't make the cut. Buzz stated texting "is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do."

Although our official response is one of happiness for getting drivers-who-text off the roads, we did ask Jalopnik's resident "txtng xprt," Ben Wertigree, for his opinion. He replied,

"LOL OMG suk my blz"

There you have it.

[Freep]

This all started when the 42-year-old woman driving the Fit attempted to turn around and her tires stuck to the railroad tracks. We're not sure if they were so cold they froze to the tracks or, somehow, the front wheels were angled into the air in a way making it impossible to drive. Either way, the woman did what you should do when your car is stuck on the tracks and you see a train coming — she ran for her life.

The engineer attempted to halt the train when he saw the car ahead but was unable to fully bring it to a stop. The train's engine caught on fire and the Fit was totaled, but casualties were limited to two minor passenger injuries. All things considered, the Fit is in decent shape given the force it was thwacked with and the resulting fire.

[MLive]

The day is finally here: The 2010 ROUSH Mustang bows it's pointy head and shows itself to the world.

The notable features of everyone's favorite custom pony includes 435 HP, 400 lb-ft o' torque, no gas guzzler tax for manual transmission cars, a ROUSHcharger available at launch and a very functional aero package. The Stage One starts at $34,847, Stage Two begins at $36,221 and the Stage Three 427r kicks off at $43,051.

We recently reviewed the 2009 ROUSH Blackjack, which represented the top of the line as far as ROUSH customs go. While our final impression was ROUSH did the best they could with a failing platform and ultimately left with a reasonably good car - the new ROUSH promises to be a whole different beast; especially now that the interior is fit for real, live adults. The production volume for the 427r is estimated to be 2,000 units per year - and the first two months are already sold out. Look for our First Drive of this latest iteration of a legend in the coming months.

Full press release below:

The ROUSH 2010 427R™ Mustang will be the first in the lineup of new ROUSH® 2010 Mustangs to have a ROUSHcharger® installed which boosts the horsepower to 435 and offers 400 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the first time that ROUSH has been able to offer a supercharged vehicle at the launch of a new body style.

Under the hood customers will see many differences in the ROUSH 2010 427R Mustang compared to previous years. One of the biggest changes is that the long air induction tube that wrapped around the engine was eliminated making a much cleaner appearance under the hood. The intercooler reservoir has more than twice the volume of previous generations, and the intercooler itself is a single core cross-flow radiator which means more efficient cooling. It is substantially larger than on prior model years, and is now raised higher off the ground which should offer much less potential for road debris damage. Even the hoses on the ROUSH 2010 427R have seen an upgrade; they are all now 100 percent molded rubber with abrasion resistance and have imprinted markings for things like the clamp locations. This makes for even more of a true OEM appearance under the hood, and ROUSH has taken this factory appearance to the degree of matching the Ford grain on the OEM radiator reservoir and duplicated it on the one used by the intercooler. Although much of the 4.6L, 3V powertrain components are a carryover from that used on the 2005-2009 ROUSH Mustangs, customers will notice much more refinement and OEM-level quality materials and appearance on the new ROUSHcharged™ engines. This new 427R™ is be covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.

The 2010 427R™ includes an appearance package which is comprised of several components such as a new front fascia and front splitter, rear fascia, side splitters, and a three-piece rear wing. The new rear fascia is a one-piece design which improves the fit and finish; the part is injection-molded by ROUSH Manufacturing in an OEM-level TPO plastic which, in the black color with decorative grain, will help reduce rock chips. The vehicle rides on 18-inch cast chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper Zeon tires, with a new 20-inch cast chrome wheel as an available option.

This package also includes an all-new suspension package to greatly enhance the handling of the vehicle and turn that daily commute into a slalom course. The ROUSH chassis engineering team has driven tens of thousands of miles on the streets and tracks to create the best blend of comfort and handling, and claim that this is the best suspension package they have come up with yet for the Mustang. A ROUSH wheel hop reduction kit will be included with all vehicles that have the upgraded ROUSH suspension package installed at the factory.

"I've driven every generation of ROUSH Mustangs and there is no question that these cars keep improving over the years. Our engineering teams never sit back and say,'That's it. We are done working on this now.' They continually refine the components, whether it is in the engine, suspension, or any other part of the car. They are always thinking and testing and improving and creating the ultimate Mustang for the muscle car enthusiast. I think that there is no doubt that the ROUSH 2010 Mustang is our finest effort yet," Roush stated, adding that he will shortly be using one as his personal vehicles while traveling the NASCAR circuit.

Click here for the official ROUSH Accessory cost table.

The 2009 Yamaha FX Nytro RTX SE is bad. Not bad like spoiled milk or bad like Nissan's horrible attempt at stealing away our xB-lovin' hearts. Bad like the way you feel while tearing down a ski slalom in a fresh Audi S4 or hauling hard on an impromptu dragway riding the back of a 400-some-odd horsepower unicycle with nothing more than a torn Skynyrd tee to save your hide. Hot, naughty, evil.

The RTX SE is a rough and tumble war sled. It's classified "rough trail," which is a generalized way of saying you can take it off of huge jumps and it won't bat a single muscular eyelash. The technology used to design the 2009 model is derived directly from Yamaha's snow racing team. The 121" long track, which is the shortest of the three lengths available on Yamaha sleds, lends itself to wicked turn-in at the slightest twitch of the bar, whereas the longer 136" and 144" tracks on the poof-grade sleds are designed to bridge bumps and float on deep powder. Being a racer replica and not a true race sled, you've got the convenience of grip heaters, squishy seat and wide running boards. This all adds up to a fast, nimble machine that tries to kill you every turn in sweet, warm comfort.

With the RTX SE being totally geared towards big jumps, sharp turns and other Snocross-flavored bits, we promptly took it through the extremely deep powder offered only by northern Michigan's outback fields in the dead middle of January.

A quick aside regarding traction: Among knowledgeable car aficionados, it's widely agreed that tires are the most important feature on a race car. A simple change between tread patterns or compounds can make the difference between a winning effort and a hot trip to Armco Town, USA. Much of the same goes for the rubber track situated underneath all snowmobiles. Yamaha decided to name their new multi-use tread pattern, co-developed with Canadian plastics company Camoplast, the "Camoplast® Rip Saw™." We think it sounds more like how you'd describe a naked, bloodied Christian Bale running full tilt down an apartment building corridor wielding a screaming chainsaw while chasing after his rented lover just after she discovered his collection of fractured bodies, but it's not a bad name for a tread, either. What we'll now call the Christian Bale® Death Tread™ enables you to do is tackle far more diverse snow types than previously thought possible. This marketing hype actually plays out true, for once, as the RTX SE doesn't bog once through the insurmountably deep powder, even after multiple stops and reversals. This is generally impossible for a 121" tracked sled as they usually sink far quicker than they can propel themselves forward.

The ergonomics of the RTX SE are purposefully designed to keep the rider in a standing position over the engine during all aggressive riding. This perfectly balanced arrangement leads to unparalleled rotation and control in exactly the direction of your lean. Control doesn't mean invincibility, as an improper shift towards the outside of the turn will flip your entire show over with rabid efficiency.

The 130HP three-cylinder four-stroke engine promptly shuts up any two-stroking fanboys stuck in the smelly past. We actually witnessed a couple of supposed gas-oil mixing die-hards converted on the spot once they played with the gobs of torque provided by the new fuel injected mill. With the proper lean and a willful twist of the throttle, one can pull a full drift from barely a crawl. Added bonus: When you flip a fuel injected sled, it doesn't piss gas all over itself, unlike those rocking a carbuerator. Ask us how we know. Better yet, ask Kyle and Alex down below in the photo credits about their personal inverted experiences.

At a hefty $11,599, we find it hard to justify any new snowmobile when the window of usable winter is so short. The money would be better spent on a 2009 Zero X that you can enjoy all year. For those in the far north (We're looking at you, Canada) that enjoy snowmobiles as necessary transportation for most of the year, the fresh line of Yamaha four-strokes simply can't be beat. The RTX SE, while still commute-ready, offers a raucous and ripping ride on just about any surface.

Photo Credit: Alex "Cat Lady" Conley and Kyle "Dangerzone" Conner

We understand your frustration Mr. Bernero, but jeez-o-pete, lay off the campaign tactics and Red Bull for a minute and answer the kind Fox News anchor's questions. Of course, we've also heard he's a bit of a hot-head — Wert knows him from his days working for Michigan Governor Granholm in Lansing, and here's what he had to say:

My favorite Virg story is from back in 2003 when he was still in the State Senate. Virg cornered me next to one of the stairwells in the Capitol building in Lansing at some lobbyist luncheon. Virg knew I worked for the Governor, knew I was a senior staff member and decided I was a great target to bitch about some funding measure the Governor was pushing — despite the fact I wasn't in legislative affairs, nor was I going to lobby on his behalf to them. Regardless, he decided he wanted to play "hardball" with me, so he got in my face, blustering, gesturing wildly and bitching about the funding decision. The only problem is that I'm like a foot taller than him. So in order to get in my face, he needed to stand on the tips of his toes. So there we were, him bitching and yelling, pointing his finger in my face, me trying not to laugh at this little guy trying to intimidate me, when I realized that I could help him out. I stopped him in mid-sentence saying "Hold on a second," grabbed him, spun him around and stepped down one step so that I was now eye-to-eye with him, finishing with a "There, that's better — you looked like you were going to topple over. Please, continue your bitching." His face red with anger, Virg started to say something, then spun around and stalked off. I only smiled, put on my jacket and walked back over to my office in the Romney Building across the street."

[via dailykos]

This clip gets you just a taste of what it'd be like to run with Travis Pastrana with co-driver Christian Edstrom - or riding shotgun with Ken Block and Alessandro Gelsomino. This footage is from Day 1 of the 2009 Sno*Drift rally held in Atlanta, Michigan this past January.

The guys over at Subaru Rally Team USA have put together a Subie-centric gallery of their own that can be seen here.

Or just stay here and check out our complete coverage of the 2009 Sno*Drift Rally. Also, you'll want to keep an eye on our RallyAmerica tag as our original HD video is about to pummel the automotive blogosphere with blood and thunder. Prepare.

Michigan is home to both the start and end of the yearly RallyAmerica racing circuit. The 2008 season came to an end in Houghton, Michigan last October at the Lake Superior Pro Rally. The fresh 2009 season begins anew here in Atlanta, Michigan during the dead of winter.

Snowmobiles and 4x4 trucks aren't just a convenience in Atlanta - they're a necessary facet of life. Good thing we were locked, stocked and two smoking cameras while rolling in our Roush Propane-powered F-150. This time we were pushing giant steamroller tires on chrome wheels as the factory hides met a smokey demise at an earlier date.

The rally went down as a classic snow rally with plenty of snowbank-Plinko and lots of off-course sliding. Spectators were quick to jump in and assist when drivers chose to jam their cars firmly into the stout, powdered walls. Our rookie favorite of last year Kyle Sarasin was stuck in an old front wheels-driven Mitsubishi Eclipse after his previous yellow Subaru-wielding team was disbanded. The title of Most Jalopnik Rally Car of this event was taken by Greg and Tom Woodside in their turbo 1987 Dodge Shadow.

After a short battle with Travis for the lead, Ken Block was knocked out in the first day with a mechanical failure as a result of a minor crash. Travis Pastrana and Christian Edstrom secured the first place finish while Tanner Foust and Co-driver Chrissie Beavis locked in the second rank in their Hyundai Tiburon. Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard and Marc Goldfarb snuck into third place after fighting against some handling problems in their Mistu Evolution IX. BMX baddie Dave Mirra pulled in a strong 6th-place finish.

Keep an eye on our RallyAmerica tag as we'll soon be following up with an exclusive behind the scenes look at Subaru's Rally Team, a full HD video of Sno*Drift and Travis and Ken's In-Car video. We're stuffing our hatchbacks in preparation of the 100 Acre Wood rally in a few weeks time located in Salem, MO. Press on regardless!

Partial Photo Credit: Alex "Tater Salad" Conley

David B. "Mister Oldskool" Johnson rolled up to the Markham, Illinois, Courthouse in his 1988 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, and every detail was in place, from the purple fedora and full-length fur coat to the "PIMP PLAZA" plaque on the dash. Well, every detail save one really important one: his driver's license. You see, the reason for the courthouse visit was the little matter of 13 charges of driving on a suspended license, and the judge issued a 10-day jail sentence beginning next week… with stern orders not to drive until then. So, Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Frank Czerwinski figured he had the proverbial fish-in-a-barrel bust when Mister Oldskool headed out to his ride, dusted it off with a purple feather duster, and drove off. Straight to jail, and we can only hope the tow truck driver was nice to that Cadillac.

[Chicago Sun-Times, thanks to 57Sweptside for the tip]